Pump for liquefied gases



April 22, 1958 E. WHITE PUMP FoR LIQUEFIED GASES 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April 28, 1955 QN MN April 22, 1958 L. E. WHITE PUMP FOR LIQUEFIED GASES 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 28, 1955 m9 m9 v vm mm mm mm R. mw n N m H Nm. I'IIH www mm mf E wm um mk mm m9 om E QS om mmll a. km .om

Inventor April 22, 1958 E. WHITE 2,831,325

l PUMP FOR LIQUEFIED GASES Filed April 28, 1955 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 w MS.

s W ma, n@ QS@ mw M L. E. WHITE PUMP FOR LIQUFIED GASES 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 April 22, 1958 Filed April 2.8, 1955 April 22, 1958 L. E. WHITE 2,831,325

PUMP FOR LIQUEFIED GASES Filed April 28, 1955 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Allo/wey United States Patent C PUMP FOR LIQUEFIED GASES Leslie E. White, Columbus, hio, assignor to Herrick L. Johnston, lne., Columbus, Ohio, a corporation of @hic Application April 23, 1955, Serial No. 504,472 20 Claims. (Cl. 62-1) This invention relates to method and apparatus for pumping volatile liquids and particularly to pumping liqueiied gases which have a boiling point temperature below 273 K. at atmospheric pressure.

it is an object of the present invention to provide a novel method for transferring a liquefied gas from a mother vessel storage source whereby the liquid is continuously transferred into surrounding relationship with a pumping means disposed in an auxiliary insulated containing means from which the liquid is efficiently pumped to any desired liquid receiving means. As as a result, the submerged type pumping means is eiciently cooled and operated, conveniently connected with a power source, aecessibly located, and the various disadvantages of direct submersion of the pumping means in the storage source are eliminated.

it is another object of the present invention to provide a piston type pump for liquefied gases which utilizes piston and cylinder means arranged for reciprocating motion, with said pump being provided with novel packing means for effecting a seal between the surfaces of the piston and cylinder means. Such novel packing means is adapted for varying the sealing effect, either manually or automatically, responsive to variations in the discharge pressure of the liquid being pumped. With this arrangement, as the pressure on the discharge side of the pump increases, a progressively tighter packing seal can be eiected in order to assure adequate sealing eiect for the existing pressure. Moreover, when the pump is undergoing low pressure operation, the packing seal is relieved to provide low friction operation and hence eiciency and long life.

it is another object of the present invention to provide a pump for liqueied gases which utilizes cylinder means provided with two working chambers and double acting piston means adapted for reciprocation in the cylinder 'i means. A novel packing means is provided between the slidably engaging surfaces of the cylinder and piston means, and intermediate the two working chambers, with such novel packing means being adapted to efficiently prevent leakage of liquid between the working chambers by varying the sealing eriect according to variations in pressure of the liquid being pumped.

lt is another object of the present invention to provide a piston type pump for liqueed gases which utilizes novel packing means adapted to effect a seal between the piston and cylinder means to prevent fluid leakage therebetween, with said novel packing means being provided with cooling means for effectively cooling the packing means and adjacent pump structure whereby the efficiency of the apparatus is increased.

lt is another object of the present invention to provide a pump for liqueiied gases which is cooled by submersion in the liquid being pumped and which is adapted to pump a liqueed gas from a source such as a mother vessel. The pumping apparatus is adapted to be mounted an insulated container means, separate from the mother vessel, which container means continuously re- ,t l2,831,325 Patented Apr. 22, 1958 ceives liquid from the mother vessel. With this arrangement, the disadvantages which result from submerging a pumping apparatus directly in the mother vessel are avoided.

it is another object of the present invention to provide a pump for liqueed gases which is cooled by submersion in the liquid being pumped and which is adapted to pump a "red gas from a source such as a mother vessel. rl`he pumping apparatus is adapted to be mounted in a novel insulated container means, with such container means and pumping apparatus comprising a novel structural arrangement whereby a driving means for the pumping apparatus is extended outwardly through the wall of the insulated container means for connection with an external power source without the presence of an undesirable heat leak path along the driving means structure.

it is another object of the present invention to provide apparatus of the type described wherein the pumping apparatus is cooled by submersion in the liquid being pumped and enclosed in an insulated container adapted to continuously receive such liquid from mother vessel storage means. The insulated container is provided with a novel removable wall means portion and cooling means therein whereby access to the pumping apparatus is provided without sacrifice of the insulating efficiency of the insulated container.

it is another object of the present inventionto provide apparatus of the type described wherein the pumping apparatus is removably disposed in an insulated container adapted to continuously receive liquid from a mother vessel, with novel mounting means being provided between the pumping apparatus and the inner wall surfaces of the insulated container such that seals are effectively maintained notwithstanding variations in temperature to which the apparatus is subjected.

It is another object of the present invention to provide apparatus of the type described wherein the pumping apparatus is disposed in an insulated container adapted to continuously receive liquid from a mother vessel from which liquid is being pumped. with such insulated container being adapted to receive and support the pumping means in a horizontal position whereby the double acting pumping means can be eliciently disposed in a horizontal position within the liquid being pumped.

it is another object of the present invention to provide apparatus or the type described wherein the pumping apparatus includes novel valve means providing efficient intake and discharge of the liquid being pumped without the occurrence of undesirable pressure drops in the liquid as it passes through the valve means.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings wherein preferred forms of embodiments of. the invention are clearly shown.

in the drawings:

Figure l is a side elevational view, partially in section, of a pumping apparatus and insulated container constructed according to the present invention. The section is taken along a vertical plane passing' through the longitudinal axis of the container and pumping apparatus;

Figure 2 is a partial side elevational view, oartially in section, showing a portion of one embodiment of `a pumping apparatus constructed according to the present invention. The section is taken along a vertical plane through the longitudinal axis of the apparatus;

Figure 3 is a partial sectional view, corresponding to Figure 2, and showing the second portion of thenpparatus of Figure 2; v l

4 1figured, is a partial side elevational view, partially in section, of the pistou and packing means utilized in the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Figures 2 and 3;

Figure 5 is a broken and exploded perspective view of a novel valve means utilized in the apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 6 is a partial side sectional view showing a portion of a pumping apparatus comprising a second embodiment of the present invention. The section is taken along a vertical plane passing through the longitudinal axis of the apparatus. The second portion of this pumping apparatus is substantially identical to the apparatus portion' illustrated in Figure 3;

Figure 7 is a partial sectional view of the embodiment ofFigure 6 and showing the novel packing means and associated apparatus in enlarged relationship;

' Figure 8 is a partial side sectional view illustrating a third novel packing arrangement adapted to be utilized in the apparatus of Figure 6 and forming a third embodi ment of the present invention.

Referring next to the drawings, and particularly to Figure 1, the apparatus of the present invention comprises a pump indicated generally at 20. The pump is mounted in an insulated container 22 which -includes an outer wall 23 separated from an inner wall 24 by an insulating space 25. A liquid ll line 27 is provided for transferring the liquid being pumped from a storage means, such as a mother vessel not illustrated, to the interior of container 22. A gas return line 28 connects the interior of the upper portion of the insulated container 22 with the mother vessel. A quantity of liquid 30, which is pumped by the pumping apparatus, is conlined Within the inner wall 24 and the pumping apparatus is maintained continuously immersed in such liquid during operation. The pump is of a double acting type and is provided with a pair of intake passages 32 and 33, which are in direct submerged communication with the liquid 30.

Container 22 further includes an end wall 35, fastened to a mounting means 36 by means of the bolts 37 and an inner wall 39 separated from the end wall 35 by a vacuum space 40. Inner end wall 39 is secured to a mounting ange 41 by threaded fastenings 42. As seen in Figure 1, the pump includes a housing 44 which extends through the inner end wall 39, the vacuum space 40 and the outer end wall 35. Housing 44 slidably supports an actuating rod 46 which extends from the pumping apparatus outwardly through the housing 44 and is driven by a suit able prime mover not illustrated. The outer end of housing 44 supports a flange 48 which is secured in sealed relationship to the outer end wall by means of the `studs 49. The portion of housing 44 which extends through the vacuum chamber is surrounded by a cooling jacket 51 provided with an inlet line 52 and an outlet line 53 which lines serve to continuously supply and carry away a portion of the fluid being pumped for the purpose of producing a cooling etect on the housing 44. With this arrangement, the combination of the vacuum space 40 and the cooling jacket 51 prevents a heat leak path along housing 44 from the atmosphere. Moreover, jacket 51 serves to cool a packing means 54 which effects a sliding seal between the actuating rod 46 and lthe housing 44 which decreases frictional wear and increases the life of the packing 54 and actuating rod 46.

An expansion joint 56, which may be formed as a metallic bellows, provides a flexible sealed junction beltween the pump housing 44 and the inner end wall 39.

This arrangement allows for expansion and contraction ot the pump, due to temperature changes, without'dfestroying the seal at the junction of the pump housing with the inner end wall. m

The inner shell 24 includes an integrally formed end wall 58. A nipple coupling 59 may be used if desired, to slideably receive amounting rod 60 provided on the inner end of the pumping apparatus 20. This arrangement provides a non-rigid mounting for the'pump which allows for expansion and contraction of the pump length notwithstanding the rigid mounting provided between the pump ilange 48 and the outer end wall 35.

As is further seen in Figure 1, the outer shell 23 includes an end wall 61 provided with a coupling 62 which passes through the outer shell and to which a vacuum line is attached for maintaining vacuum in the insulating space 25.

Reference is next made to Figures 2 and 3 wherein thc pump 20, el Figure l, is illustrated in enlarged relationship. Pump 20 includes a cylinder 65 provided with an inner cylindrical surface 66, which slidably carries a double acting piston indicated generally at 68. The piston includes a primary end 70 disposed in a working chamber 7l and a secondary end 72 disposed in the working chamber 73. The pump further includes the integrally termed housing 44 and the actuating rod 46 which extend outwardly through the insulated container to the atmosphere to provide means for reciprocating the piston 5S. The end of the cylinder is provided with a bore gland 75 which is retained in sealed relationship at a beveled surface 76 by means of a threaded plug 77.

The pump is provided with two exhaust valves, indicated generally at '79 and 80. With reference to exhaust valve 79, each of such valves is provided with a valve body 8l which is mounted in a threaded hole 821. Exhaust valve 79 further includes a port 85 which leads to the internal valve mechanism, later to be described, and thence to an exhaustmanifold 86. A union nut 37 serves to retain the exhaust manifold to the valve body Si. A T 89 is provided for connecting the liquid discharge line 9i to the exhaust manifold. A smaller discharge line 52 leads from the T 89 to the cooling jacket 51.

The cylinder 65 further includes two intake valves indicated generally at 93 and 94. With reference to intake valve 93, each of such valves includes a valve body 95 which is retained in a threaded hole 96 in the cylinder 65. An intake port 97 is provided between the valve mechanism and the working chamber 7l.

With further reference to Figure 2, it is seen that exhaust valve 79 includes a valve iioat 100 which is retained against a seat disc 101 by means of a spring 102, which renders the exhaust valve normally closed, but openable responsive to iluid pressure on the discharge stroke. The intake valve 93 includes a seat 104 which is integrally formed on the intake valve body 95, a valve float 105, and a valve spring 106 which retains the intake valve normally closed but openable responsive to a decrease in pressure in the working chamber 71 during the intake stroke of the piston.

Reference is next made to Figure 5, wherein the interior valve structure is illustrated, in enlarged detail. One of the intake valves 93 is illustrated for purposes of description, it'being understood that the exhaust valves are of substantially similar construction. The valve of Figure 5 includes the valve body 95 which forms a valve chamber 110. Valve body 95 includes a hole 111 through an end of the valve chamber 110 with an edge 112 at the inner end of hole lll forming a seat for the valve iloat 105. A iioat retainer 114 is provided with a hole M5 adapted to partially receive the float 105 and retain same in aligned relationship with the seat 112. The oat retainer 114 is further provided with a plurality of kidneyshaped holes 11S which permit the passage of fluid through the retainer. The valve spring M6 is disposed between the float retainer114 and a retaining disc 120. Retaining disc is provided with a centrally disposed hole 121 of cross-sectional area at least as great as the area of the intake port 97 illustrated in Figure 2. The end surface 123 of the valve body 95 is countersunk at 125 to receive the retaining disc 120. In assembling the valve 93, the elements illustrated in Figure 5 are inserted in the valve chamber 1l() in the order illustrated and the valve body 95 is then screwed into the threaded hole 96 in the manner illustrated in Figure 2. When the valve body is in such mounted relationship, the valve :spring 106 is in a normally compressed configuration whereby the valve float Y is retained normally closed against the seat 112.

It will be understood that during the intake stroke of the piston, the valve oat 105 will move inwardly compressing the spring 106. Liquid will then drawn inwardly through the hole 111 around the valve float 105 and thence through the kidney-shaped holes 118 in the oat retainer 114. The liquid then passes through the center of the spring 106, the hole 121 and intake port 97, and then into the working chamber 71. Holes 118 are kidney-shaped to provide maximum area for free passage of liquid even when the spring 106 is in completely compressed configuration in which case insufiicient passage area would be present between the compressed coils of the spring. Accordingly, the total area of the kidney-shaped holes 11S is computed to be at least as great as the area of the intake hole 111 and port 97. This arrangement avoids undesirable pressure drops in the liquid passing through the valve mechanisms and hence more efficient valving for the pumping of liquefied gases.

It will be understood that the function of exhaust valves i' 79 and 80 is substantially similar to the function of the intake valves just described. The exhaust valves differ structurally in that the spring is retained by .the end of the valve chamber formed in the exhaust valve body 81 and the seat is provided by a seat disc 127. A float retainer 114, such as is illustrated in Figure 5, is again provided between the valve spring and the oat to retain the valve oat in alignment and to provide passage means of sufficient area for the uid being pumped.

Reference is again made to Figure 3, in which the cooling jacket 51 includes an outer wall 130 which forms an annular chamber 131 with the outer wall o-f the housing 44. The interior of the annular chamber 131 contains a plurality of circumferentially extending bafe plates 133. A fitting 135 is screwed into the cooling jacket wall at the inlet hole 136 and intake line 52, which leads from the T 89 of the exhaust manifold, is connected by fitting 135 and continuously supplies a portion of the liquid being pumped to annular chamber .131. An outlet hole 13S carries a fitting 140 for connecting discharge line 53 which extends from the fitting 140, through the outer end of wall 48, and thence to join the main uid discharge line 91 at the exterior of the container.

Referring again to Figure 3, it is seen that the annular chamber 54 is provided for retaining suitable packing means between the rod 46 and housing 44. A compression gland is provided in outer end of the annular chamber 54 to provide means for applying endwise compression to the packing. The packing gland i 50 includes a bearing 151 for the actuating rod 46. A compression nut 153 is provided on the externally threaded outer end of the housing 44 to provide means for forcing the compression sleeve 150 inwardly against the packing.

Reference is next made to Figure 4 which best illustrates the details of the double acting piston means 68 which is used in the pump embodiment of Figures 2 and 3. As the piston means 68 is reciprocated in the cylinder, pressure is alternately developed at each end of the cylinder and hence force, due to liquid pressure, is alternately applied to the primary piston end 70 and the secondary piston end 72. The piston member -68 includes a body portion 161 with an integrally formed neck portion 163 and asecond neck portion 164 which is integrally formed with the actuating rod 46 and retained in a threaded hole 165 provided in the body lportion 161. Neck portion .164 includes 'an extension 166 which fits into a hole 177 and a set kscrew 178 en- `gages extension 166 and serves to lock same in the body -portion 161. Each yof the neck portions 163 and 164 is provided with a suitable bearing 180 mounted on a bearing housing 181. Suitable packing elements, such as chevron-shaped rings .184, are assembled on each of the neck portions 163 and 164, and retainers 186 and 187 are slideably carried on the neck portions in engagement with each end of the packing means.

Referring again to the piston of Figure 4, the piston end 70 is formed on a Yslideably mounted head member 190 which includes a shoulder 191 forming a countersink 192. A washer 193 and a machine'screw 194 carried in the hole 195 serve to retain the-head member 190 on the end of the neck portion 163. 4A compression spring 197 is interposed between the shoulder 191 and the packing retainer 187. When the primary piston end 70 is negotiating a compression stroke, the force exerted by liquid pressure on the end of head member 190 will cause such member to apply a force to the packing retainer 187 and consequently to each of the packing elements. 'I his action increases the sealing effect of the packing between the piston and the inner wall of the cylinder. At the end of the pressure stroke of the primary piston end 70, the head member 190 is returned to its original position by the spring 197 thus removing the compression force exerted on the packing elements 184. In this manner excessive friction during the intake stroke is eliminated.v

It should ,further be noted that spring 197 is normally disposed in a partially compressed configuration which retains the packing elements 184 in position thereby preventing excessive motion of the elements on the neck portion 163 which motion would cause excessive wear of the elements. Moreover, as normai'wear of the packing elements 184 progresses, spring 197 will expand tocompensate for such wear.

Referring next to the secondary piston ends 72, a head member 201 is slideably mounted on the end of the neck portion 164 and afshoulder 203 serves to retain the head member 201 on the neck portion. A plurality of packing elements 206 are. disposed between packing retainers 207 and 208 and a compression spring 209 is interposed between the secondaryV head member 201 and the packing retainer 207.v The function of such head member 201 is substantially the same as that of the primary head Vmember described above.

Reference is next made to Figure 6 which illustrates `a pump, indicated generally at 220, which constitutes `a second embodiment of the present invention. Only the inner portion of the pump, which is ldisposed inwardly of the wall 39 in Figure 1, is illustrated. The remaining outer portion of `pump 220 is substantially identical to the apparatus of Figure 3.v The pump 220 includes an inner cylinder portion 222 and anouter cylinder portion 223 joined by a coupling nut 225 that engages a collar 227, on the outer cylinder portion 223, and further engages the inner cylinder portion 222 at a threaded junction 228. A leak-proof seal is effected at the engaging tapered shoulders 230 and la key 231 is used to effect alignment of the two cylinder portions 222 and 223.

The cylinder portions 222 and 223 form an inner cylindrical surface 235 which slideably receives a piston indicated generally at 236. Piston 236 includes a primary working end 237, disposed in a primary working chamber 238, and a secondary working end 240 disposed in a secondary working -chamber 241. Piston 236 is provided with an actuating rod 243 which extends outwardly through a housing 245 which includes an annular'chamber 246 adapted to "receive suitable packing means. It will ybe understood that the housing 245 and all of the cooling apparatus and mounting structure associated therewith are substantially identical to that .employed with the pump 20 as illustrated in Figures 1 and 3. Pump 220 further includes an innerend 251 provided with an integrally formed .mounting lnipple 252.

The valving arrangement of the pump 220 is identical with that described for the pump of Figure 3 andpreviously described herein.v Such valving apparatus includes two intake valves indicated generally at 254 and 255 and two exhaust valves indicated generally at 257 and S. An exhaust manifold 260 connects a iiuid discharge line 261 with the two exhaust valves.

With further reference to Figure 6, it will be seen that the pump structure 220 diiiers mainly from the pump 20 of Figure 3 in that the packing means, indicated generally at 266, is carried by the cylinder 222, instead of being carried on the piston as was the case with pump 20.

Referring next to Figure 7, the packing means 266 of the pumping apparatus of Figure 6, and the associated structure for compressing and cooling same, are illustrated in a partial sectional view which is enlarged as compared to Figure 6. The packing means 266 includes a left portion 270 and a right portion 271 separated by an annular chamber 274. The left packing portion 270 is retained by a shoulder 276 provided by the outer cylinder portion 223 anda member 280 which is formed as an annular ring in sliding relationship with a recessed wall 282 in the cylinder portion 22.` In a similar manner, the right packing portion 271 is retained by a shoulder 283 and a slidably mounted member 284. A coiled compression spring 286 is disposed in the annular chamber 274 and retained by the grooves 287 and 288 formed in the members 288 and 284. Spring 286 is normally compressed to maintain a preloaded force on the packing portions 270| and 271 and serves to compensate for normal wear as the packing is used. A stop means 291, which may be formed as a cylindrical member encircling the spring 286, is secured to one of the members 284 and adapted to engage the other member 280 to provide means for compressing the packing into the packing chamber when the pump is being assembled.

The nipples 293 and 294 provide` mountings for the intake fitting 296 and 297 which attach an intake line 298 and a discharge line 299 as is best seen in Figure 6. Hole 301 provides an intake port and hole 302 provides a discharge port for a portion of the liquid being -pumped which is continuously delivered from the exhaust manifold 260 to the chamber 274. v

In considering the operation of the embodiment of Figure 7, it should be noted that both the left packing portion 270 and the right packing portion 271 are adapted to receive longitudinal compression forces exerted by the moveable packing retainers 280 and 284 since each of these retainers is subjected to the discharge pressure of the liquid in the manifold 260. Hence it is seen that as an increase in discharge pressure occurs, the liquid pressure on packing retainers 280 and 284, and hence the compression force on .the packing portions 270 and 271, will also increase. In this manner, an increase in sealing eiect, between the piston 236 andk the packing means, is automatically effected. It will be further understood that since the right and left packing retainers 280 and 284 are subjected to the same iiuid pressure, the resulting forces exerted on the left packing means 270 and the right packing means 271 will be equal.

An additional important advantage of the annual icham ber 274 results from the fact that the cold liquid being pumped is continually circulated in intimate heat exchangev relationship with the packing means whereby such packing means is efficiently cooled.

Reference is next made to Figure 8, as a partial view of another pumping apparatus constructed according to the present invention, and constituting a third embodiment thereof. Only the packing means and associated apparatus are illustrated since the balance of the pumping apparatus is substantially identical to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 6. f

The apparatus of Figure 8 comprises an inner cylinder portion 319 which is joined to an outer cylinder portion 3i?. at a junction 313 at which the two cylinder portions 8 can be taken apart for installing and removing the packing means indicated generally at 315.

The pumping apparatus of Figure 8 further includes a left packing portion 270 and a right packing portion V271 v in sealing engagement with a piston 236. Nipples 293 and 294 and fitting 296 and 297 communicate with the ports 302 and 301 which serve to continuously supply la portion of the liquid being pumped in the manner of the preceding embodiments.

As seen in Figure 8, the separate packing means 270 and 27 i are separated by a cylindrical member 320 which member forms annular chambers 321, 322, 323, and 324. A passage 326 joins the chambers 321 and 322, and one or more longitudinally extending passages 327 and 328 supply cold liquid to the cooling chamber 323 and 324 in order to effect an intimate heat exchange relationship between packing means 270 and 271 and the cold liquid being pumped.

lt should be noted that the member 320 is of rigid one-piece construction, as compared to the separate retainer members 230 and 284 of Figure 7. Hence the chambers formed by member 328, of Figure 8, function only as cooling means as contrasted with the function of the corresponding structure of Figure 7 wherein increased sealing efiect is progressively produced due to the separate moveable retainer members 280 and 284. The apparatus of Figure 8 is nevertheless provided with means for varying the sealing eiiect of both packing portions 27@ and 271, but the variation in sealing effect is accomplished by means of a different structural arrangement. To effect such variations in sealing 'eecn an annular packing retainer 332 is moveably supported by the outer cylinder portion 312 at a threaded junction 334, with packing retainer 332 being in contact with an end of the leftpack ing means 27d. The outer peripheral surface of the packing retainer 332 is provided with gear teeth 335 which are drivingly engaged by gear teeth 336 of a worm gear 337. Worm gear 337 is rotatably mounted in a hole 339 which extends outwardly through the cylinder portion 312 to the exterior of the apparatus. A suitable handle, not illustrated, may be provided on the worm gear 337 whereby rotation of the worm gear will rotate the annular packing retainer 332 and vary the force exerted by such packing retainer on the packing portions 270 and 271. Hence it is seen that with the embodiment of Figure 8, the longitudinal force exerted by the packing retainer on the packing means can be manually adjusted to mechanically vary the sealing effect of the packing means, and also to compensate for Wear imposed on the packing means during use.

For purposes of describing the operation of a novel method which comprises an aspect of the present invention, reference is next made to the combined pumping apparatus and insulated container means illustrated in Figure l. T ie intake line 27, which extends through the insulated wall means of the container, is connected with a suitable mother Vessel storage means, not illustrated, such as the type illustrated and described in co-pending application Serial Number 497,778.

The stored liquefied gas in the mother vessel storage source is then pressurized in a suitable manner such as applying a high pressure gas from an external pressure source, or by vaporizing subcooled liquid in the mother vessel and utilizing the resulting vapor pressure to pressurize the stored liquid.

As a result of such pressurization of the mother vessel, the liquid is transferred to the insulated container means of Figure 1 and into surrounding relationship with the pumping apparatus in the manner illustrated. Operation of the pumping apparatus is then instituted and liquid will be continuously taken into the intake ports 32 and 33 and discharged through the discharge line 91 to the means to which the liquid is to be transferred.

Concurrently with the continuous discharge of liquid from the discharge line 91,21 portion of the liquid being pumped is continuously delivered from the discharge manifold 86 tothe cooling jacket 5l and thence outwardly through the flange i8 to the exterior of the container where the outlet line 53 can be connected to the main discharge line 91. With this arrangement, the main portion of the pumping apparatus is continuously cooled by submersion in the liquid being pumped, and., moreover, the portion of the pumping apparatus extending through the insulated wall means is continously subjected to heat exchange relationship with a flow of the liquid being pumped. Hence a heat leak path along the outwardly extending pump portion is eliminated.

in summary, the present invention provides a novel and highly ethcient pumping apparatus for liquitied gases having boiling point temperatures below 273 K. The pumping structure is adapted for eicient double acting operation and may be combined with a novel insulated containing means arranged to receive and contain the liquid being pumped, as well as the pumping apparatus in horizontal submersion in such liquid. With this arrangement, the pumping structure is eliciently cooled by the liqui.. being pumped without the disadvantages of submerging the pump in the mother vessel storage means for the liquitied gas being pumped. ln addition, the novel pumping apparatus includes means for flexibly and removeably supporting the pump structure in the containing means, and means for extending an actuating means to the exterior of the containing means without the presence of a heat leak path from the environment to the interior of the insulated container means.

The present invention further includes novel structural arrangements located at the packing means between the piston means and cylinder, which provide intimate and eicient cooling of the packing means, and which provide means for varying the sealing effect according to requirements imposed by the pressure of the liquid being pumped. As a result, eicient operation and long pump life are achieved.

Another aspect of the invention consists of novel valve structure for the pump which combines structural sim plicity with highly etiicient and dependable valve operation.

While the forms of embodiments of the present invention as herein disclosed constitute preferred forms, it is to be understood that other `torms might be adopted, all coming within the scope of the claims which follow:

l claim:

l. An apparatus for pumping a volatile liquid having a boiling point temperature materially below 273 K. at atmospheric pressure, comprising, in combination, cyliner means; piston means arranged to reciprocate in said cylinder means; annular packing means carried on said piston means in slideable sealing engagement with said cylinder means; means forming a shoulder carried on the piston means and in engagement with an end of said packing means; means moveably mounted on said piston means and in communication with the discharge pressure of the liquid being pumped, said moveably mounted means including a shoulder adated to apply force to the other end of said packing means for compressing same towards said rst mentioned shoulder to increase the sealing effect responsive to increases in discharge pressure; means constantialy urging said moveably mounted means away from force applying relationship with said packing means; and wedging means operatively engaging said packing means at one of said shoulders for applying wedging action to an end of said packing means.

2. An apparatus for pumping a volatile liquid having boiling point temperature materially below 273 K. at atmospheric pressure, comprising, in combination, cylinder means; piston means arranged to reciprocate in said cylinder means and including a rst working end exposed to a chamber of said cylinder and a second working end exposed to 't second chamber of said cylinder; annular packing means carried by said cylinder means in a `slideable sealing engagement with said pis ton means intermediate sain two working ends; means forming a shoulder on said cylinder and in engagement with an end of said packing means; means forming a chamber adjacent said packing means and in communication with the liquid being pumped to apply force to said packing means, the magnitude of said force being varied :responsive to variations in pressure of the liquid being pumped; and passage means for conducting a flow of said liquid in heat exchange relationship with said packing means.

3. An apparatus for pumping a volatile liquid having a boiling point temperature materially below 273 K. at atmospheric pressure, comprising, in combination, cylinder means; piston means arranged to reciprocate in said cylinder means; annular packing means carried by said cylinder means in slideable sealing engagement with said piston means; means forming a shoulder on said cylindermeans and in engagement with an end of said packing means; an annular chamber at the other end of said packing means, said other end being subjected to force exerted by liquid in said annular chamber; intake passage means connecting said annular chamber with the liquid being pumped whereby said liquid varies the force on said packing means responsive to variations in liquid pressure; and outlet passage means connected to said annular chamber, said passage means providing a ilow of liquid through said annular chamber to effect cooling of said packing means.

4. An apparatus for pumping a volatile liquid having a boiling point temperature materially below 273 K. at atmospheric pressure, comprising, in combination, cylinder means including an annular chamber; piston means arranged to reciprocate in said cylinder means; annular packing means carried `by said cylinder means in slideable sealing engagement with said piston means; means forming a shoulder on said cylinder means and in engagement with an end of said packing means; means moveably mounted on said cylinder meansand in engage ment with the other end of said packing for applying force thereto; means forming a chamber for receiving fluid in contact with said moveably mounted means; in- -take passage means connecting said chamber with the liquidbeing pumped whereby said liquid varies the force on said packing means responsive tovariations in liquid pressure; and outlet passage means connected to said annular chamber, said passage means providing a flow of liquid through said annular chamber to eiect cooling of said packing means.

5. An apparatus for pumping a volatile liquid having a boiling point temperature materially below 273 K. at atmospheric pressure, comprising, in combination, cylinder means; piston means arranged to reciprocate in said cylinder means; annular packing means carried by said cylinder means in slideable sealing engagement with said piston means; means forming a shoulder on said cylinder means and in engagement with an end of said packing means; means moveably mounted on said cylinder means and in engagement with the other 'erid of said packing for applying force thereto; a chamber in heat exchanging relationship with said packing means, said moveably mounted meansbeing exposed to i'luid pressure in said chamber; passage means `connecting said chamber with a iiow of liquid being pumped; and passage means for discharging liquid from said chamber.

6. An apparatus for pumping a-volatile liquid having a boiling point temperature materially below 273 K. at atmospheric pressure, comprising, in combination, cyl- .inder means; piston means arrangedto reciprocate in said cylinder means; annular packing means carried by said cylinder means in slideable sealing engagement with said piston means; a chamber in heat exchanging relationship with said packing means, an end of said packing means being subjected to force exerted by liquid in said chamber; passage means connectin.o said chamber with a ilow of liquid being pumped and passage means for discharging said flow from said chamber.

7. An apparatus for pumping a volatile liquid having a boiling point temperature materially below 273 K. at atmospheric pressure, comprising, in combination, cylinder means including a rst chamber; piston means arranged to reciprocate in said cylinder means; annular packing means carried by said cylinder means in slideable sealing engagement with said piston means, said packing means including a plurality of packing portions; means forming a second chamber intermediate said packing portions, a packing portion on one side of said second chamber including a surface inclined in one direction towards said lirst chamber and a second surface inclined in the other direction toward said second chamber; and passage means connecting said chamber with the liquid being pumped.

8. An apparatus for pumping a volatile liquid having a boiling point temperature materially below 273 K. at atmospheric pressure, comprising, in combination, cylinder means; piston means arranged to reciprocate in said cylinder means; annular packing means carried by said cylinder means in slideable sealing engagement with said piston means, said packing means including a plurality of packing portions; a rigid spacer member between adjacent packing portions and forming a chamber-therebetween whereby confronting inner ends of said adjacent packing portions are exposed to iluid in said chamber; an element moveably carried by said cylinder means for applying force to an outer end of one of said adjacent packing portions; and passage means connecting said chamber with the liquid being pumped.

9. An apparatus for pumping a volatile liquid having n boiling point temperature materially below 273 K. at atmospheric pressure, comprising, in combinaiton, cylinder means; piston means arranged to reciprocate in said cylinder means; annular packing means carried by said cylinder means in slideable sealing engagement with said piston means, said packing means including a plurality of packing portion; a pair of spaced elements intermediate two adjacent packing portions, said elements being moveably supported relative to said cylinder means and forming a chamber intermediate said packing portions; spring means disposed between said elements in said chamber; `and intake passage means connecting said chamber with the liquid being pumped and outlet passage means connected to said annular chamber, said passage means providing a ow of liquid through said annular chamber to eiect cooling of said packing means.

l0. An apparatus for pumping a volatile liquid having a boiling point temperature materially below 273 K. at atmospheric pressure, comprising, in combination, cylinder means; piston means arranged to reciprocate in said cylinder means; annular packing means carried by said cylinder means in slideable sealing engagement with said piston means, said packing means including a plurality of packing portions; a pair of spaced elements intermediate two adjacent packing portions, said elements being moveably. supported relative to said cylinder means and forming -a chamber intermediate said packing portions; a rigid member interposed in vsaid chamber intermediate said elements to maintain said elements in spaced chamber-forming relationship when said elements and packing Aare inserted in said cylinder means; intake passage means connecting said chamber with the liquid being pumped and outlet passage means connected to said annular chamber, said passage means providing a flow of liquid through said annular chamber to eiect cooling of said packing means.

ll. An apparatus for pumping a volatile liquid having a boiling point temperature materially beiow 273 K. at atmospheric pressure, comprising, in combination, cylinder means; piston means including two working heads arranged to reciprocate in said cylinder means; annular packing means carried by said cylinder means inl slideable sealing engagement with said piston means between said two working heads, said packing means including a plurality of packing portions; a pair of spaced elements intermediate two adjacent packing portions, said elements being moveably supported relative to said cylinder means and forming a chamber intermediate said packing means; spring means disposed between said elements in said chamber; a rigid member interposed in said chamber intermediate said elements to maintain said elements in spaced chamber-forming relationship when said elements and packing are inserted in said cylinder means; intake passage means connecting said chamber with the liquid being pumped; and outlet passage means connected to said chamber to provide a flow of liquid through said chamber for effecting cooling of said packing means.

12. An apparatus for pumping a volatile liquid having a boiling point temperature materially below 273 K. at atmospheric pressure, comprising, in combination, cylinder means forming two working chambers; double acting piston means arranged to reciprocate in said cylinder means, said pisto-n means including a working end disposed in each of said two working chambers; packing means carried by said cylinder means intermediate said working chambers and adapted to eilcct a sliding seal therebetween; means forming a third chamber for receiving a flow of the liquid being pumped, said packing means being subjected to force exerted by liquid in said third chamber and disposed in heat exchange relationship therewith; and outlet passage means connected to said third chamber to provide a ilow of liquid through said third chamber for effecting cooling of said packing means.

13. An apparatus for pumping a volatile liquid having a boiling point temperature materially below 273 K. at atmospheric pressure, comprising, in combination, cylinder means forming two working chambers; double acting piston means arranged to reciprocate in said cylinder means, said piston means including a working end disposed in each of said two working chambers; packing means for eiecting a sliding seal between said first and second mentioned means intermediate said working chambers; means formed a third chamber for receiving a ilow of the liquid being pumped, said packing means being subjected to force exerted by liquid in said third chamber and disposed in heat exchange relationship therewith; pressure responsive means in said third chamber and in engagement with said packing means and for varying the sealing eiect thereof responsive to variations in the pressure ot the liquid being pumped; and passage means for conducting a flow of said liquid in heat exchange relationship with said packing means.

14. In a pumping apparatus for pumping a liquified gas having a boiling point below 273 K. from a mother vessel storage source, the combination of an insulated container adapted to contain and continuously receive liquid from said source; pumping means mounted in said container and immersed in said liquid, said pumping means including a piston arranged for reciprocation in a cylinder; packing means carried on said cylinder; means for applying force to said packing means, said torce being increased on the compression stroke of said piston and decreased on the intake stroke oi said piston; insulated wall means for said container, said Wall means including spaced wall portions forming an insulating chamber; housing means connected with said pumping means and extended through said insulating chamber to the exterior of said container; rod means movably carried in said housing means and connected with said pumping means for driving same; means forming a liquid receiving chamber disposed in said insulating chamber in heat exchanging relationship with said housing means; and means for continuously supplying liquid to said liquid receiving chamber whereby cooling of said housing means is eected.

15 In a pumping apparatus for pumping a liquiiied gas having a boiling point below 273 K. from a mother vessel storage source, the combination of an insulated container adapted to contain and continuously receive liquid from said source; pumping means mounted in said container and immersed in said liquid, said pumping means including a piston arranged for reciprocation in a cylinder; packing means carried by said cylinder and in sealed sliding relationship with said piston; means forming a chamber for containing liquid being pumped in force applying relationship with said packing means; outlet passage means for said means forming a chamber to provide a iiow of said liquid being pumped through said means forming a chamber; insulated wall means for said container, said wall means including spaced wall portions forming an insulating chamber; housing means connected with said pumping means and extended through said insulating chamber to the exterior of said container; rod means moveably carried in said housing means and connected with said pumping means for driving same; means forming a liquid receiving chamber disposed in said insulating chamber in heat exchanging relationship with said housing means; and passage means connecting said liquid receiving chamber with said discharge liquid being pumped.

16. In a pumping apparatus for pumping a liquitied gas having a boiling point below 273 K. from a mother vessel storage source, the combination of a container adapted to contain and continuously receive liquid from a mother vessel, said container including insulated wall means; pumping means in said container and immersed in said liquid, said pumping means including a housing mounted at one location to said container and extended through said insulated wall means to the exterior of said container; rod means moveably carried in said housing means and connected with said pumping means for driving same; and mounting means for supporting said pumping means to said container at a second location, said mounting means including a non-rigid connection between said pumping means and said insulated wall means.

17. In a pumping apparatus for pumping a liquiiied gas having a boiling point below 273 K. from a mother vessel storage source, the combination of a container adapted to contain and continuously receive liquid from a mother vessel, said container including insulated wall means; pumping means in said container and immersed in said liquid, said pumping means including a housing mounted at one location to said container and extended through said insulated wall means to the exterior of said container; rod means moveably carried in said housing means and connected with said pumping means for driving same; mounting means for supporting said pumping means, said mounting means to said container at a second location including a non-rigid connection between said pumping means and said insulated wall means; and means for continuously cooling the portion of said housing extending through said insulated wall means.

18. In a pumping apparatus for pumping a liquied gas having a boiling point below 273 K. from a mother vessel storage source, the combination of an insulated container adapted to contain and continuously receive liquid from said source; pumping means mounted in said container and immersed in said liquid; insulated wall means for said container, said wall means including spaced wall portions forming an insulating chamber; a removeable closure member forming a portion of one of said wall portions; a second removeable closure member forming a portion of the other of said Wall portion; said pumping means including a housing member rigidly supported by one of said closure members; means extended through said housing member and connecting said pumping means for activating same from the exterior of said container; and a exible sealing means between said pumping means and the otherof said removeable closure members.

19. In a pumping apparatus for pumping a liquifed gas having a boiling point below 273 K. from a mother vessel storage source, the combination of an insulated container adapted to contain and continuously receive liquid from said source; pumping means mounted in said container and immersed in said liquid; insulated wall means for said container, said wall means including spaced wall portions forming an insulating chamber; a removeable closure member forming a portion of one of said wall portions; a second removeable closure member forming a portion of the other of said wall portion; said pumping means including a housing member extended through both of said closure members and rigidly supported by one of said closure members; means extended through said housing member and connecting said pumping means for activating same from the exterior of said container; and mounting means moveably attaching said pump means to the inner wall portion of said insulated container, said mounting means engaging said pump at a portion thereof spaced from said removable closure members.

20. In a pumping apparatus for pumping a liquiiied gas having a boiling point below 273 K. from ya mother vessel storage source, the combination of an insulated container adapted to contain and continuously receive liquid from said source; pumping means mounted in said container and immersed in said liquid; insulated wall means for said container, said wall means including spaced wall portions forming an insulating chamber; a removeable closure member forming a portion of one of said wall portions; a second removeable closure member forming a portion of the other of said wall portion; said pumping means including a housing member extended through both of said closure members and rigidly supported by onev of said removable closure members; means extended through said housing member and connecting said pumping means for activating same from the exterior of said container; a flexible sealing means between said pumping means and the other of said removeable 4closure mem-' bers; and mounting means moveably attaching said pump means to the inner wall portion of said insulated container, said mounting means engaging said pump at a portion thereof spaced from said removable closure members.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Re. 19,054 Heylandt July 16, 1934 543,773 Massey July 30, 1895 574,353 Garlock Dec. 29, 1896 1,384,097 Schlacks July 12, 1921 1,937,859 Thomas Dec. 5, 1933 1,974,362 Marsh Sept. 18, 1934 2,021,414 Gits Nov. 19, 1935 2,063,839 Crooks et al Dec. 8, 1936 2,143,637 Vollmann Ian. 10, 1939 2,292,375 Hansen Aug. 11, 1942 2,292,617 Dana Aug. 11, 1942 2,439,958 Anderson Apr. 20, 1948 2,500,320 Pei Mar. 14, 1950 2,598,816 Mesinger June 3, 1952 2,705,873 Bonnaud Apr. 12,1955 FOREIGN PATENTS 921,242 France Ian. 10, 1947 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE I CERTIFICAT E OF CORRECTION Patent No.2,83i,325 April 22, 195e Leslie E,s White It is herebif eetifiedy that error -appears in the printed specification oi the above numbered patent requiring correction and that the said Letters Patent should read as corrected below.

Column l, line 25, .after "As" dele-te "as"; column 5, line 8, after when insert --beeg line 56, for "50 includes" read --150 includes-e; column 7, line 23, for "portion 22" :read portion 22.2"; line 6I, for' "annuel" read annulerm column 9, line 59, for "adated" read nadapted-nline 63', for "oonstentialy" reed @constantly-; column ll, line 35, for

"combinaition" reed eombination-g line 4D, for portion read. po1'tions4 column l2, line 43, for "formed" reed -=foming; column 13, line 53, afte "means" first occurrence, strike out 1, said mounting meens"; line 54, after "locatiorv insert seid mounting means-A Signed and sealed this 15th dey oi' July 1958A (SEAL) Attest:

KARL H MINE ROBERT C. WATSON Attesting OHcer Commissioner of Patents 

